Cisco Kid (film)
"The Cisco Kid" is a character that first emerged in 1907 from O. Henry's story "The Caballero's Way" and has since evolved through various media, including films, radio programs, comic strips, and a television series. The character became particularly notable in the 1929 film "In Old Arizona," which was the first major Western talkie and featured Warner Baxter, a non-Latino actor, in the lead role, winning an Academy Award for his performance. Over the years, the Cisco Kid has been portrayed in different lights, sometimes as a ruthless outlaw, while at other times resembling a Latino Robin Hood.
In the 1940s, Latino actors such as César Romero, Duncan Renaldo, and Gilbert Roland took on the role, with Renaldo notably reprising it in the 1950s television adaptation. Cisco and his sidekick Pancho became positive role models, teaching lessons of justice and humor while helping those in need. Their adventures and playful banter contributed to the character's charm, making them beloved figures in American culture. The franchise also engaged in merchandising, producing items like lunch boxes and toy guns, further solidifying their place in popular culture.
Cisco Kid (film)
Identification Fictional character in film, radio, television, and comic-book series
Appearing in a variety of media, the Cisco Kid was one of the earliest characters to provide major roles for Latino actors, even though some ethnic stereotypes remained. He first appeared in a short story in 1907 and became a staple of films during the 1930’s, but he rose to much greater fame during the 1940’s when he found his way into radio and a syndicated comic strip.
The Cisco Kid originated in 1907 in “The Caballero’s Way,” a story in the famous American short-story writer O. Henry’s book Heart of the West. In 1929, the character reappeared in the first of what would become many films. During the 1940’s, he began appearing in radio programs and a comic strip, and he would later add a television series. Through all these years, his character continuously evolved, as he was variously portrayed as a ruthless outlaw and a Latino Robin Hood. In 1929, he appeared in the first major Western talkie film, In Old Arizona (1929). That film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including best actor, which Warner Baxter—a non-Latino actor—won for portraying the Cisco Kid as a happy-go-lucky bandit. In later years, the character would provide important roles for Latino actors.
Among the leading Latino actors who played the Cisco Kid during the 1940’s were César Romero, Duncan Renaldo, and Gilbert Roland. Renaldo also reprised his role as the Cisco Kid in The Cisco Kid television series during the 1950’s. Jimmy Smits would played him in a television film broadcast in 1994. Among the actors who played Cisco’s sidekick were Chris-Pin Martin, first as “Gordito” and later as “Pancho”; Martin Garralaga as Pancho; Frank Yaconelli as Baby; and Leo Carrillo as the best-known Pancho. The Cisco Kid and Pancho became positive role models for children as they dispensed justice with a sense of humor and nonviolence.
Impact
A dashing and romantic figure, the Cisco Kid and his jovial companion Pancho, engaged in quick-witted repartee as they roamed the Southwest fighting injustice and helping the needy. Cisco Kid items such as lunch boxes, toy guns, and coloring books contributed to licensed-product merchandising.
Bibliography
Nevins, Francis M., and Gary D. Keller. The Cisco Kid: American Hero, Hispanic Roots. Tucson: Arizona State University: Bilingual Review Press, 2008.
Rodríguez, Clara E. Heroes, Lovers, and Others: The Story of Latinos in Hollywood. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.